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Throughout the spring, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner has repeatedly said his main goal for the team’s Offseason Coaching Sessions is to get his players ready to compete once they return for training camp.

As the team’s rookies concluded their OCS period Thursday, the young players felt good about their progress and believe they’ll greatly benefit from their work when they return in late July. 

“I’m more than grateful for this time,” said cornerback Brandon Hughes, the team’s fifth-round draft pick.  “I’ve been encouraged by the progress that I’ve made over the last four weeks.  I understand the defense better, I understand what they’re asking of me and I got a feel for what camp is going to be like.”

When asked what they found the most helpful over the last month, players cited the crash course they received in the team’s offense and defense, the time spent with their new coaches and teammates and the first opportunity to work with accomplished NFL players. 

“I’ll be able to play faster in training camp because I know what’s going on, what I’m supposed to be doing,” safety Kevin Ellison said. “Seeing the level of competition is big, knowing what you’re up against and just getting a feel for how things are run from as a program.  It was a good month for us.”

Running back Gartrell Johnson echoed Ellison’s feeling and voiced his pleasure over the individual attention he received from running backs coach Ollie Wilson during OCS’s. 

“Coach Wilson really helped me out with my feet the last few weeks,” Johnson said.  It was great and I needed it.  I got some great one-on-one coaching with him showing me the right way to do things.  I feel a lot more comfortable.”

With many of the veterans gone, the Chargers rookies saw their number of snaps go way up during the last week, which helped even more as they make their transitions.

“ Reps make you better, so the more reps I’ve got, the better I feel about everything,” guard Tyronne Green said.  “I’ve had a chance to work on my hand placement and my pass sets.  Coaches have been encouraging, so getting that little extra confidence helps.

The rookies will be at Chargers Park through next week as they conclude their portion of the team’s offseason conditioning program.  The week of June 28, the draft picks will attend the annual NFL Rookie Symposium in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Hughes will keep a diary for Chargers.com while at the event. 

Rookies and select veterans report to training camp on July 26.  They’ll be joined by the rest of their teammates on July 31. 

Like many of their veteran teammates said a week ago when they wrapped up the on-field portion of their offseason, the rookies said they’ll take some time off over the next few weeks but won’t completely shut it down.

“I’m still going to work out pretty hard because I know training camp is going to be tough and I want to be ready,” Ellison said.  “It will be nice to have a little break but the work is far from finished right now.”